There’s been lots of sledging emails, SMS messages and meetings at one of a few local pubs on a Sunday afternoon to see if we can kick the last leg of our multis home.

This weekend was my turn to step up to the plate, and I was nervous. I don’t mind a bet or two, truth be known, and I even tend to make a bit of profit each year.

The analysis is done, bets are on!

Bet one: Friday night, I like the Knights to beat the Warriors, so I jump on that one, only to find out Gidley isn’t play and instead of cats and dogs it’s actually raining sheep in Auckland! Knights loose 13-0.

Bet one gone before it even got going.

Bet two: I’m not convinced the All Blacks are up to covering the spread of 17.5 with their new side, so that’s my first bet.

Even though the Wallabies looked good against the disorganised Baa Baa’s, I think that Italy can cover the spread of 29.5, so I take them.

Being an ‘almost’ Canberrean myself, and most of our syndicate members decided seeing the Wallabies is a great idea even though it’s two below, so off we go.

After a couple of pints, we drive up to the cheap parking for Bruce Stadium (also known as ankle break ridge) which is in O’Connor.

For fifteen minutes we walk through the darkness with our obligatory roadies to Bruce Stadium. Once there, we settle into our normal spot for Brumbies or Raiders games; standing behind the bowl seats on the 22 at the Bundy Bar end of the stadium.

Mates arrive and tell me that the Kiwi’s actually lost the test match to the French!

Good times, first leg up. Now I just need the Italians to put up a good fight.

I’ll just say right now, I want Australia to win and win well, just by less than 30.

While I’m there they put the first try scorers prices up on the scoreboard, James O’Connor at $8.50 and Drew Mitchell at $7.00 are my picks, with a lazy $10 on each.

The anthems are sung, the crowd is ready, the game starts and soon enough the Italians are under pressure.

A sweeping backline move and Giteau looks like he’s a certainty to score, but does the team thing and passes it to James O’Connor.

You beauty! Australia scores and I’ve picked up a nice $85, not bad for four minutes work.

Australia are solid rather than spectacular, but still run in two more tries in the first half for a 17-0 lead. I’ll admit it I’m nervous.

An Italian try just after half time calms the nerves. Until Australia score two more tries to make it 31-8 with 20 to go.

One more converted try and I’m toast. Craig Gower attempts a field goal to the boos of the Wallaby fans.

I boo the fact he missed to put the margin out to more than a try and start screaming whenever the Italians get a penalty to take the points much to the disgust and laughter of everyone around me except my punting partners and a older Italian gentleman who offers me some of his ouzo which he’s smuggled in his coffee cup.

Full time siren and it’s been a perfect game for me, O’Connor scores the first try, Australia win by less than 30. With the French helping me out all I need now are the Raiders to win against the Sharks, surely the Raiders won’t let me down.

SURELY.

After a round of very poor golf on a chilly Sunday morning I get home just in time to sit down in front of the TV at home with a sandwich in one hand, cider in the other.

The SMS support is already there: “The Raider will smash them, good betting Chop” and “Come on Green Machine” arrive just before kick-off. But I’m nervous, very nervous.

Joel Monaghan kicks out on the full to start the game and I gulp.This isn’t the start I was looking for. Fox starts talking about the pink balls floating further than normal, then after some pressure on their own line the Green Machine come through, great step by Campese onto Tom Learoyd-Lars and it’s 6-0. More SMS support from the lads and I am feeling a little better, after 21 minutes Monaghan takes a Campese kick and scores in the corner 10-0. The world is a great place right now, at least until the Sharks score to make it 10-6, I’m nervous again even more so when Gallen scores but Bronson Harrison responds to make it 14-10 at half time.

Second half starts with a try to the Raiders and I’m happy again 20-10 to the Raiders and I start counting the money.

Suddenly the SMS support is back, we’re home.

55 minutes into the game, the Sharks touchdown and again at the hour mark. It’s 20-18, the support from my syndicate is gone, it’s turned to bagging: “How could you pick the Raiders?,” “No betting for you next week,” starts coming my way.

The faith is still there, the Raiders at home will come through for me.

All of a sudden it looks like the Sharks are running down hill, they are getting all the ball, 77 mins gone and they are all over the Raiders.

For me, it feels like time is standing still, why isn’t that bloody clock ticking over?

All of a sudden it’s gone. Monaghan misses Gallen, who falls over the line to score the winning try. Covell take what seems like three days, never mind minutes, to kick the goal, and it’s over.

Syndicate is supportive again: “Bad Luck mate”, “Stinking Raiders.”

The bet is gone, my time at the control of the betting syndicate gone.

At least for another month.

Roaring Hot

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Article link: Pleasure and pain, the diary of a sporting punter. Written by Chop, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

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